2026 Mt. Fuji Marathon - Dec 13

2026 Mt. Fuji Marathon - Dec 13 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Mt. Fuji Marathon - Dec 13
CityFujikawaguchiko
Date2026-12-13 at 09:00
Field Size~7,500 runners
Time Limit6 hours
Cutoff pace8:32/km
TimezoneAsia/Tokyo
Official SiteMt. Fuji Marathon Organizing Committee (富士山マラソン組織委員会)

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature2.3°C / 36°F
Humidity80%
Wind11.9 km/h
Rain Chance19%
Typical ConditionsCold, dry, often clear early-December morning in the Fuji Five Lakes highlands, typically around 2-8C at the 9:00 AM start, with the best odds of a crisp, snow-capped Mt. Fuji on the horizon.

What to Prepare: December at 830-900 m elevation is genuinely cold: wear thermal layers and gloves for the start, keep a throwaway top you can shed once you warm up, and expect cold fingers early before the sun reaches the lakeshore.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 11.9 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Race-Week Climate

Based on 20 years of race-week weather (2005-2024), MERRA-2 reanalysis

Cooler Typical Warmer
Temperature -1.2°C 2°C 5.8°C
Dew point -5.8°C -1.3°C 3.8°C
Wet-day chance: 19% Runnability: 65/100

Data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), NASA Langley Research Center

Course Profile

Course TypeLakeside loop road marathon
Elevation Gain200m
TerrainRoad
ProfileA scenic loop around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko that looks flat but runs tough: a notable climb of roughly 75-80 m over about 1.5 km links the two lakes near the 20 km mark (through the Bunkado tunnel area), then the same gradient comes back as a descent near 35 km, with rolling lakeside roads in between.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2026 Mt. Fuji Marathon - Dec 13

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Mt. Fuji Marathon 2026?

The Mt. Fuji Marathon is held over two days on December 12-13, 2026, with the full 42.195 km marathon run on Sunday, December 13 at a 9:00 AM start. It is based in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, in the Fuji Five Lakes region, and the course loops Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko directly beneath Mt. Fuji.

How do I enter the Mt. Fuji Marathon, and is there a lottery?

There is no lottery: full-marathon entry is first-come, first-served and the field is capped at roughly 7,500 runners, so it can sell out well before the deadline (the domestic general full marathon filled to capacity in recent years). Entry opens in spring via the official site and RUNNET. Overseas-resident runners have a dedicated entry category with its own (higher) fee, which is worth checking if you are traveling in. Use our race time predictor to set a realistic goal before you commit.

What is the time limit, and is the course beginner-friendly?

The time limit is a strict 6 hours on gross time, with intermediate checkpoints along the way, so this is not the most forgiving Japanese marathon for a first-timer. The course also runs tougher than its lakeside scenery suggests, thanks to the climb between the two lakes. Plan a conservative early pace with our pace calculator so the mid-race climb does not blow your budget.

Is the course really flat, or is there climbing?

It looks flat but is deceptively hilly. Lake Saiko sits about 74 m higher than Lake Kawaguchi, so a sustained climb of roughly 75-80 m over about 1.5 km connects the two lakes near the 20 km point, and the same gradient returns as a descent around 35 km. Many runners are caught out by it, so treat this as a rolling course rather than a flat PR loop.

Can my finish time be used for Boston qualifying?

Yes. The 42.195 km loop is certified by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF / 日本陸連公認) and measured to AIMS standards, so an official chip time can be used toward Boston Marathon qualifying if you meet your age-group standard. Check where you stand with our Boston qualifying calculator.

How do I get there, and do I need a visa?

Many nationalities can enter Japan visa-free for short tourist stays; confirm your own country's rule before booking, as Japan does not currently require an ESTA or eTA. Fujikawaguchiko is reachable from Tokyo in roughly two to two-and-a-half hours by direct bus or by train via Otsuki, making a race-weekend trip combined with Fuji-area sightseeing very doable.

What is the weather like in mid-December?

The race sits in the highlands at around 830-900 m, so mid-December mornings are cold and often dry, frequently around 2-8C at the start, with a good chance of clear skies and a snow-dusted Mt. Fuji. Dress in warm layers for the start and bring gloves; once the sun is up and you are moving it becomes pleasant running weather.

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